This collection examines the role that adventure has played and continues to play in French and Irish society and culture in areas as diverse as literature, theatre, war journalism, painting, photography, sport and diplomatic dining. The three types of adventure as defined by the French philosopher Vladimir Jankélévitch are reflected in the various essays. Mortal adventure can be found in the chapters on war journalism and painting, sport and in the pioneer work of the first women photographers and reporters. Aesthetic adventure is depicted in the chapters on the work of Joseph Kessel, Colm Tóibín, Colum McCann, Jan Carson, Anna Burns, Paddy Bushe, John McGahern, Gustave Flaubert and Brian Friel, who have all developed innovative and challenging styles in their attempts to depict aspects of the human condition. Finally, Love adventure is a strong leitmotif in several essays also. We are traversing a time of transformation and transition, a time in which climate change, health crises, wars, and the re-emergence of populism as a force across the planet, have brought us to a crossroads in our history. This collection illustrates how the creative and imaginative power of history, literature and art can help us decipher and redefine our place in this new world and assist us to navigate the challenging adventure(s) that may await us.
